Man steps inside 'time capsule' Taco Bell that's been closed for three decades

A man has found an abandoned Taco Bell restaurant and drive-thru, believed to have closed in the 1990s and stuck in time. The urban explorer has shared a look inside the 'time capsule'

Taco Bell has been around for over 60 years. It was founded by Glen Bell in 1962 in Downey, California. Over the decades, the company has gone through significant changes, evolving from a small Mexican-inspired fast-food restaurant to a global brand known for its innovative menu and marketing strategies.

However, there are Taco Bell fans that miss what the restaurant used to look like. So much so that an urban explorer went to check out an abandoned outlet in London, Ohio. The eatery feels like you are stepping back into the '80s or '90s as it's been stuck in time ever since it closed.

The explorer, known as Ranger Rick TV on YouTube and TikTok, gave his followers a brief tour of this blast from the past fast food joint.

The Louisiana native exclaimed: "Y'all are not going to believe this, I just found an abandoned Taco Bell that is an abandoned time capsule. They have not updated this place since 1990s."

Rick strolled through the deserted parking lot, Taco Bell signage still present, and peeked inside the abandoned establishment.

Pressing his nose against the window of the shuttered spot, with its notice of permanent closure tacked to the door, Ranger Rick continued: "They've got the tables still in their from the '80s and '90s."

Plus, he eyeballed a VHS cassette perched on one of the benches, which brought back memories of 1989's TV hit Saved By The Bell for him. "Y'all remember this? ," he queried.

Ranger Rick surveyed the opposite side of the deserted eatery, noting that it is "in pretty good shape". His walkthrough also highlighted electric panels that have been torn out and a boarded-up drive-thru. He remarked that the place is "torn up".

Similarly, YouTuber Robert Randomness uploaded a video revealing an inside look at the abandoned establishment. "It's definitely been closed for a while, look at all the stuff that's fallen on the floor," he commented during his exploration.

In another segment, Ranger Rick captured footage of a bird flying inside the derelict diner. The scene showcased a shuttered drive-thru window and a kitchen strewn with haphazardly tossed pots and pans.

The videos quickly attracted viewer comments. A nostalgic fan recounted: "Used to eat there all the time after school."

Another said: "All Taco Bells should go back looking like this because I don't like it how it is now is too modern for my liking."

A third wrote: "They took our '90s Taco Bell away that looked just like this and made an ugly corporate style one!"

Meanwhile, a fourth added: "The Taco Bell near my house used to look like this but they rebuilt like 3 years ago now it looks boring and modern."

While the site remains strictly off-limits, Ranger Rick doesn't let this deter him. He's a fan of exploring abandoned sites and documenting his adventures online.

He told Newsweek: "I have been exploring places for 8 years and I got into it because I always had a passion to see beauty in decay.

"The things I encounter inside are so extraordinary that I can hardly believe my eyes. It's almost like a perfectly preserved time capsule."